Horse Land
In the region of the horse, equestrian activities are inevitably widespread. In one of the many clubs, riding schools or stables in the region, from the Seine-Maritime to the Orne, young and old can discover the horse in all its diversity. Hiking on the country roads, riding on the beaches of the coast, initiation to western riding, training courses, courses or themed stays: there is an embarrassment of riches to choose from. Note that many equestrian itineraries are listed in the region according to their level of difficulty. Do not hesitate to ask for information at the tourist offices.
As a land of horses, Normandy has many stud farms, often hidden from prying eyes, which can be seen at the bend in a country road. And one of them has acquired a national and even international reputation: the Haras du Pin. Called the "Versailles of the horse", this place located in the department of Orne and imagined by Louis XIV has crossed the centuries. Today, its buildings welcome thousands of visitors who, every year, want to know everything about this majestic animal. On the spot, you can discover all its history, the different breeds of horses, discover an original collection of horse-drawn carriages... but also attend high level equestrian shows. The site, which has been selected as a preparation center for the Paris 2024 Games, also hosts national and international competitions about 200 days a year. Among the other places dedicated to horses, the equestrian center of Saint-Lô: it is also not to be missed!
On foot or by bike: long live hiking!
Normandy is an ideal playground for hiking enthusiasts. Whether on foot or by bike, Normandy has something for everyone. For the former, over 3,000 kilometers of long-distance footpaths (GR) offer superb opportunities to discover the many facets of the region. And that's not counting all the little country lanes and roads, along the coast or through the forest massifs... Depending on the level and stamina of the walker, there are numerous itineraries to choose from: the hardest part, as always, will be making the right choice. Along the way, the treasures of our built and landscaped heritage will be your best companions.
If you've chosen to discover Normandy by bike, there are many itineraries to choose from. Whether it's by the sea, in the countryside, along waterways, etc., you'll be spoilt for choice. The "voies vertes", former railroad tracks that have been rehabilitated, offer a privileged and entirely safe setting for two-wheeled enthusiasts from Clécy to Thury-Harcourt in the heart of Norman Switzerland, from Condé-sur-Huisne to Alençon in the heart of the Perche region of Orléans, from Ducey-les-Chéris to Mont-Saint-Michel in the Manche department... and that's just a small sample! Other itineraries too, such as the heart of the London-Paris green avenue from Giverny to Dieppe in the Seine-Maritime region, where between the river and the Côte d'Albâtre, beautiful landscapes unfold, are within reach of all cyclists. No matter what your level, you don't have to be a cycling enthusiast to ride the Normandy circuits. Also not to be missed is the Vélo Francette circuit, which leads from Caen to La Rochelle via the meadows and valleys of Normandy. Finally, the Vélomaritime crosses Normandy by its coastline, this Norman link being only part of the route leading from Belgium to the tip of Brittany.
Feel like getting some height?
From the cliffs of the coast to the high valleys of the Suisse Normande or the forest massifs, the region offers visitors countless opportunities for a different kind of escape. Fancy a climb? La Fosse Arthour in Orne, Mont Myrrha in Falaise or Connelles in Eure are just waiting for you. Would you like to practice on an artificial wall? If so, don't forget to check out the local climbing clubs. In case of rain, which is quite possible in Normandy, they'll be able to offer you great alternative solutions.
More of a tree-climbing adventure? Here again, there are several options for aficionados of these activities, which are often enjoyed with family or friends. There are dozens to choose from: head for the Orne and Andaine forest in Bagnoles-de-l'Orne for the acrobatic tree course, or the Orne Aventures course located on the natural lookout of the Roche d'Oëtre, the Manche to take on the challenges of Forest Adventure in Saint-Sauveur-le-Vicomtes, or try out the accrobranche park - Etretat Aventures in Seine-Maritime. Tyroliennes and courses of varying degrees of difficulty, often requiring the ability to balance, are on the programme!
Want to go even higher? Take a ride in a microlight, biplane or glider. Several clubs offer you the chance to fly over the coastline and its beautiful beaches, such as the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel, or the countryside and its pretty meadows, such as those of the Pays d'Auge.
Freshwater and saltwater activities
Rivers, ponds, sea... In all its forms, water is very present in Normandy, and the local rainfall won't tell you otherwise! Freshwater fans? Whether on the marshes of the Cotentin, along the Orne or along the Risle, there are so many spots perfect for canoe and kayak enthusiasts. Take a day trip and discover the beauty of nature. You can also enjoy this activity, and many others, at one of the region's many leisure centers. Head for Putanges-le-Lac, Montville or Vittefleur for swimming, water-skiing, towed buoys, pedal-boating... Whether you're big or small, there's never a dull moment! Some may prefer to try their hand at stand-up paddling: that's also possible. Stand-up paddling, which involves balancing on a board and paddling through the water, has been all the rage for some years now. It can be practised in both fresh and salt water... Salt water fans? Surfing and kite-surfing enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that here, too, you can enjoy waves worthy of the name. In La Manche, Siouville-Hague seems to be the place to be, while in Seine-Maritime, Etretat has won its spurs, and in Calvados, Trouville seems to have its fans. If you love the sea, but prefer the beach, the yacht clubs offer a long list of activities, including sand yachting... or longe-côte: halfway between the seaside and the sea, this aquatic walk is done in a diving suit. Finally, a trip to the seaside is well worth a boat trip to discover the region's pretty spots in a different way.
Unusual activities!
Normandy has more than one trick up its sleeve to surprise you. A tour of the region's roads in a 2CV? Of course it's possible! And it's even recommended: aboard this emblematic car, explore the region off the beaten track. From Pont-L'Evêque in the Pays d'Auge, or from Bayeux to discover the D-Day landing beaches, this excursion in a "deudeuche" will remain engraved in your memory. Get in touch with the club, soberly named La Normandie en 2 CV.
For a fun-filled adventure in the air, head for Ecausseville's "Aéroplume": a helium-filled dirigible balloon that allows participants to soar by flapping their wings. Seen from above, the large airship hangar is quite a discovery. For a thrill-seeking experience, opt for skydiving over the Isle of Jersey, Le Tréport, Etretat or the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel. In a different register, the giant zip-line or the giant swing of the Souleuvre viaduct in Calvados also offer great sensations. A little anecdote: this monument was designed by Gustave Eiffel.
Want to play and escape at the same time? Let's go for escape games. In the space of just a few years, these original activities have grown by leaps and bounds.
Escape can take many forms. At Jurques Zoo, about 20 minutes from Caen, head for South Africa, Siberia, Australia or Mongolia and discover 750 wild animals. At the Bouillon wildlife park in the Ecouves forest in the Orne region, 400 species of animal are on display for visitors to discover.
Direction le golf
This discipline, which has become much more democratic in recent years, is now popular with enthusiasts of all levels. For golf enthusiasts, there's no better place to play than in the region, which boasts some fifty greens with varied landscapes and sometimes spectacular panoramas. From fairways overlooking the sea from the Cotentin peninsula to the Côte d'Albâtre, or nestling in the valleys of the Perche Ornais region... Normandy is the ideal place to perfect your game, and its reputation in this field is well established. It's worth noting that each of these quality locations has its own distinct identity, which varies with each season. In its family version, accessible to all, opt for one of the region's many mini-golf courses.
Feel like bubbling?
After effort, comfort! If you're looking to unwind after a great hike or a thrill-seeking outing, thalassotherapy and other spas offer a salutary bubble of relaxation. Normandy has a wealth of beautiful addresses where you can pamper yourself and unwind. Granville marine spa, Thalazur in Cabourg or Trouville marine cures: enjoy all the benefits of seawater, massage jets and mud baths. Want to have access to all this even in the countryside? Visit Spa Pom in the Perche region of France. In addition to the benefits of water and steam baths, all these tranquil settings offer a wide range of activities, including body and facial massages based on marine products or the region's emblematic fruit, to help you forget all the worries of everyday life. For those who wish, gentle, relaxing sports activities such as yoga or hiking are also available. Whether for an afternoon or several days, let yourself be tempted..
